Factor V and Todd

Both Melanie and Todd have Factor Five. Dad Leonard has Factor Five. I do not.

Melanie had a small stroke when she was Todd's age. Todd is 45 and will be 46 on the 26th of November. His stroke was a wake-up call for me and I think that all of my children should be tested. It may prevent problems in the future.

Kirsten has also been tested and does not have it. None of the rest of you have been tested. Todd's doctor said that it was important for all of you to manage your cholesterol under 200. Dad received the gene from his mother. I am assuming that Eva and Don also have it though, to my knowledge, neither have been tested.

There is a site (http://www.fvleiden.org/) for those who are interested.

Factor V Leiden Mutation (http://www.fvleiden.org/links.html)

Venous thrombosis is a significant cause of mortality in the U.S., with an annual incidence of 1/1000. It accounts for a half a million hospitalizations and causes over 50,000 deaths annually. Hereditary disorders predisposing to thrombosis include the factor V Leiden genetic mutation, the factor II (prothrombin) gene G to A 20210 mutation, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, antithrombin III deficiency, and dysfibrinogenemia.

Of these, the factor V Leiden mutation is by far the most common, accounting for up to 40% of all cases, and up to 75% of cases of recurrent thrombosis. It has approximately a 5% prevalence in the general population and is at least 10 times more common than any other known thrombophilic genetic defect.

In general, thrombophilic patients are targeted. Clinical criteria for thrombophilia includes venous thrombosis or thromboembolism which occurs before the age of 45 or is recurrent, a family history of venous thrombosis or thromboembolism, or a history of thrombosis in an unusual anatomic location, or recurrent superficial thrombophlebitis.

The factor V Leiden mutation can be diagnosed using a simple PCR genetic assay. Unlike conventional coagulation assays, it can be performed in anticoagulated patients.

Genetic counseling is available by calling the Allina Molecular Diagnostics Lab. The Molecular Diagnostic Lab's team of certified genetic counselors will help with any questions about the test or issues for families.

I have not called this lab but, perhaps, I should.

Thanksgiving 2011--Who Is Coming to Nephi?

Kimberly wrote: Planning on Nephi for the Thursday.  And Friday in Kaysville.

Let us know what part of the meal you’d like us to prepare. 

Myrna wrote: Thank you!

Links for Factor V

Both Melanie and Todd have Factor Five. Dad Leonard has Factor Five. I do not. Melanie had a small stroke when she was Todd's age. Todd is 45 and will be 46 on the 26th of November. Kirsten has also been tested and does not have it. None of the rest of you have been tested. Todd's doctor said that it was important for all of you to manage your cholesterol under 200. Dad received the gene from his mother. I am assuming that Eva and Don also have it though, to my knowledge, neither have been tested. There is a site (http://www.fvleiden.org/) for those who are interested. Factor V Leiden Mutation (http://www.fvleiden.org/links.html)

Thanks for your help, Melanie

Thanks to Melanie, Dad and I learned about Todd while we were at the temple. I am glad that Amy thought to call her. I talked to her and then left a message for Dad to get in touch with me. I was in charge of the initiatory desk today and was easier to get to than Dad who was on a session. When Dad came, he called Amy on her cell at the Columbus, Ohio, Hospital. I was not supposed to leave my post but the secretary in the office said the message from Melanie was urgent. I found a person to take my place and went to talk to her. President Pinegar learned about it, told us to go home and to find out what was happening. We are excused from tomorrow's shift and Sunday's devotional. He told us that Todd would be fine. He and those we work with agreed that we should, at least, be near the phone. Many of our friends at the temple think that we should fly out. President Pinegar thought we should, at least, stay in touch. Amy thinks we should wait a bit. Todd has some paralysis on his left side but his speech is not affected. I guess we will just hang loose. I am such a worry wart that it is easier for me to go and see than sit and wait. I did not know that President Pinegar had lost a son to an accident.

Flowers for Todd

Myrna wrote: I ended up ordering from this site (orders@fromyouflowers.com). No one else would guarantee delivery by Sunday. Is it any good? Melanie wrote: I don't really know. I haven't used them before. I hope you get a good result. Mel Myrna wrote to Amy G: Let me know if you don't get this. From You Flowers Online Order #89605865 Melanie wrote: We had that terrible storm. The post office said some things were delayed, due to power outages. Myrna wrote: That was also the excuse for the flowers being delivered late, with an apology, to Todd. ‏

Melanie Information on Stroke

You know if it was a TIA, like what they thought mine was, the chances of his recovery being quick are great. I don't know that you know this, but there is a Stroke Association, just like for the cancer and lung diseases. They have a fabulous website. It has a lot of information on it's web page and you can view all kinds of interactive pages to help you understand what diagnosis Todd might get and just what kinds of stroke there are. We can pray that it is a TIA, which is very manageable. http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=explainingstroke Hope that comforts you somewhat. The risk of having a stroke increases with certain things, but Todd and I have been trying to manage our health, we talk about it all the time. We exercise, eat right and he had his cholesterol under control. Amy and I are wondering if it had something to do with his plane flight a few weeks ago, which can increase the risk. I love you. Be comforted. Mel Myrna wrote: Is it OK if I share this with your siblings? I do worry about plane flights for both Dad, who has Factor 5, and for me, because I have distended vein walls. Melanie wrote: I'm not sure everyone wants to know all this stuff. If you feel like you need to send it you can. It was intended more just for you. Myrna wrote: I didn't send it. I asked first. Love, M

Todd

Amy G wrote: Thank you to everyone for your prayers for Todd. And thank you especially to Melanie for all the calls she made last night for me. I called her since it sounded exactly like what she had experienced a few years and she would know what was going on and what to expect (more than I would) if anyone had questions. Thank you Melanie! Update: MRI last night confirmed a minor stroke at the base of his skull. Had then went in for an ultrasound to check for any other possible clots floating around, and they didn't find any more. He has no paralysis anywhere, but the left side of this body is numb and can't feel. He still has full range of movement and has not lost any strength on that side. Doctor (finally) prescribed morphine for his head pain so he's been able to relax and get some rest. The doctor informed him that he will be having a busy day today with all the testing their planning on doing, one of them being a camera put down his throat so they can look at his heart from the inside of his chest, and also starting physical therapy. Doctor said he will be in the hospital probably through Monday. He is in Room 517 at Mt Carmel East Hospital in Columbus. Main number is (614) 234-6000 if anyone might want to call. Just know he will be more out of his room today than in, and he is on morphine, but he is coherent. I am heading over to spend the day with him and a wonderful family is taking the kids today, I will be coming home around 5:30 for our ward trunk or treat party that Todd doesn't want the kids to miss. We will play it by ear for tomorrow and church... We are doing fine out here, our ward family is a huge support and are taking care of any needs we may have. Everyone is begging to come get the kids so I can go be with Todd and the kids are happy to go play too! If you could just keep Todd in your prayers, that's all we need right now. Thank you to everyone for your love and concern. My cell # is 740-817-2564. Feel free to call or text me anytime. Also, Todd is asking that it not be broadcast on Facebook, not that anyone would, just keeping his wishes met. You are more than welcome to tell extended family, he doesn't want it kept a secret, he just doesn't want it on the world-wide-web, lol! Thank you again for all your prayers, he can feel them on his behalf. Love to all, Todd wrote: Thank you Mel. I asked Amy to ask Mel to make the calls so Amy could focus on the kids. I really think I'm going to be fine but it will take some time. Love you all. Myrna wrote: If you can type and think, my prayers have been answered!!!! I love you. Should we come? We think we should.

Do You Want to Fly to Todd

Melanie wrote: As you are probably aware, Kirsten is willing to pay for you to fly anywhere you need. Howard and I are able to contribute some money to the flying fund as well. I am really thinking about going to see him this coming weekend. Not sure how that will work out with Mikaela, but I want to go. I will talk with you more later. Mel Myrna wrote: I would like to go. Amy seems to think that we should wait until Monday.

Todd, I am sorry--Auntie Eva

Eva Dixon
10/30/11
Dear Tim and Myrna: I can truly imagine what you are going through. I do think President's advice is very good. From experience, it is much better to not have too many folks around when therapy and everything  that goes on for the patient. I was so blessed when #8 happened on 2010.  I knew what was happening and i just need my kids to get me to the right hospital so I could have the medication that stops the stroke. It has to be given with in three to four hours from when the stroke hits. The thing is you need to get to a hospital  that is authorized and has to be given by a neurologist.   The 7th one, Jim got me to the hospital here but they didn't tell him they could not help me with the med.; My neurologist told me this one was a big one but the med did not reach the very center of the stroke and she did not know what that would affect. I have found it affected my ability to concentrate at home but I can go to the library and concentrate on the work here for a whole day with terrific results.  I am finding so many family members. Enough , i need go get some supper.God bless you and Todd.  Much love always.   Eva .

Todd Had a Stroke

Todd had a stroke today. He is in the Columbus, Ohio, Hospital. We were at the temple when we received a call from Melanie. President Pinegar learned about it, told us to go home and to find out what was happening. We are excused from tomorrow's shift and Sunday's devotional. He told us that Todd would be fine. It was a consensus that we should, at least, be near the phone. Many of our friends at the temple think that we should fly out. President Pinegar thought we should, at least, stay in touch and be near the phone. Amy thinks we should wait a bit. Todd has some paralysis on his left side but his speech is not affected. I guess we will just hang loose.